In some places graffiti look fucking stupid […] as soon as I am in the country side or somewhere in the South of France I am not even thinking about spray cans you know? It’s just totally ridiculous. And even when you are going to do it, you take a picture, you can publish in on a magazine so the kids in the city will see the magazine and they will see the piece. So it is bringing back to the city again. So, it’s all about the city. And if you are not doing graffiti or you feel offended by it and you are living in the city...I am like ‘c’mon, you want all the stuf f that is going on in the city, you want the heart beats, you want this, you want that...’[…] It’s a city culture, so I feel like when you are living in the city you have to take into account that your kids they are going to get bored with the surrounding, so they want to kick against something and eventually they are going to take a spray can and go out, understand that that culture exists and they are going to write on the walls. Some people have always been writing on walls. Why wouldn’t I do it now ? – Raw
Graffiti - Crime type
NEW YORK – Graffiti by the secretive British artist Banksy is turning
up on the streets of New York City – and all over social media.Banksy announced on his website that he is undertaking “an artists residency on the streets of New York” this month.
He’s posting pictures of his work on the website and fans are plastering the images all over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Though he’s not providing exact locations, those who spot the graffiti are spreading the word online to aid other fans in the treasure hunt.
Jennifer Hawkins, who runs a public relations agency in Chelsea, posted pictures on Facebook after finding “a Banksy sighting right out my office backdoor,” on 24th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues.
Spray-painted on a building wall already defaced by illegible scrawls, the graffiti shows a black silhouette of a dog lifting his leg on a fire hydrant, with the words “You complete me” in a cartoon bubble.
“My favourite part of the whole thing is having the little groupies standing out there,” Hawkins said, referring to the small crowds of fans taking pictures.
The Daily Telegraph, a British outlet, has created an online map to track the images. The Museum of Modern Art posted links on its Twitter feed with a “Banksy watch” tag.
At least one of the works is gone already, altered by other graffiti artists and then whitewashed. The picture, done on a wall in Chinatown, showed a barefoot boy with a cap standing on another boy’s back, pointing at a sign that says, “Graffiti is a crime.”
Banksy is calling the New York City effort “Better Out Than In,” a reference to a quote by impressionist Paul Cezanne, “All pictures painted inside, in the studio, will never be as good as those done outside.”
His website includes a toll-free number and an online “Click here to listen” button with commentary on each image that spoofs the pre-recorded cellphone tours commonly offered at museum exhibits. The commentary mispronounces his name as Ban-sky and is read against a soundtrack of cheesy elevator music.
One line from the phone tour says: “You’re looking at a type of picture called graffiti, from the Latin graffito, which means graffiti with an O.”
The commentary goes on to say, “Let us pause for a moment to consider the deeper meaning of this work. OK, that’s long enough,” later adding, “What exactly is the artist trying to say here? … Perhaps it is a postmodern comment on how the signifiers of objects have become as real as the object themselves. Are you kidding me? Who writes this stuff? Anyway, you decide.”
Banksy – who refuses to give his real name – began his career in the British city of Bristol spray-painting local buildings. His works now fetch thousands of dollars around the world, but many of his street paintings have been defaced, destroyed or removed.
His website for the New York project has posted images every day of the month so far. He captioned three pictures posted Friday as “Random graffiti given a Broadway makeover (an ongoing series).”
The pictures showed the words “The Musical,” stamped in a stenciled script beneath existing scrawls, so that they read, “Dirty Underwear, The Musical,” “Occupy! The Musical” and “Playground Mob, The Musical.” He also gave rough locations for the three as Delancey Street on the Lower East Side and two Brooklyn neighbourhoods, Bushwick and Williamsburg.
Another of Banksy’s New York City efforts bears the words “This is my New York accent” spray-painted in classic graffiti-style handwriting with “…normally I write like this,” in neat print underneath.
By Friday afternoon, the work, on 25th Street between 10th and 11th avenues, had been so tagged over by other graffiti artists that it was almost impossible to make out the original.
Graffiti Alphabet Letter J Bubble Design
Graffiti Alphabet Letter J Bubble Design 1
Graffiti Alphabet Letter J Bubble Design 2
Graffiti Alphabet Letter J Bubble Design 3
Graffiti Alphabet Letter J Bubble Design 4
Graffiti Alphabet Letter J Bubble Design 5
Expo be.graffiti - Bruxelles
vernissage 25/10, expo du 26/10 au 30/11/2013
white & art gallery, 46 rue de stassart, 1050 bruxelles
Infos : www.souterrain.be
gRaFFiti sTudiO
gRaFFiti sTudiO
Check out their blog post on me!
The magazine is available to buy online. If you're in Brighton you can find it in 'Resident' or if you're in Southsea you can find it in Bored.
The theme of the issue is Urban, so I thought it'd be a great opportunity to make the most of gRaFFiTi sTudiO, so the backgrounds are walls by kElzo and Chock. I made the leggings myself, and the hoodie is from American Apparel.
I'm not sure which images have been used, but here are my favourite from the shoot:
Since the early Neanderthals scratched out the Bison on the moist
caves of Eastern France, Graffiti and Street Art have remained a very
raw form of expressive Fine Art, which have shunned all class barriers
and have emerged as a separate thread of work. Graffiti is derived from
the Italian root meaning, "scratched out." Technically, to narrow down
its scope would be to define it as a surface art on the surfaces it is
"not meant" to be displayed. For example, you would not define a
ramshackle wall, or a car, or a window as a canvas to any artist worth
his/her salt. For Graffiti Artists however, that would be a perfectly
normal platform to present their body of work.
Graffiti & Street Art so boldly lie on the border of vandalism and art that it is difficult to eulogize them without feeling a bit like singing Paeans to LSD or Morphine. However Graffiti and Street Art, even though pursued doggedly by law and order have steadily metamorphosed into an important mouthpiece of rebel expression. Simply put, Graffiti and Street Arts are art pieces by artists with no inclination or the wherewithal to resort to the conventional forms of display, who though are bubbling with a strong urge to express themselves.
The profiles of Graffiti and Street Art closely follow an underground, anti-law route because of the angst they carry. They are art forms, usually generated in ghettos and tough neighborhoods, where there are few rules and therefore explosive creativity. Graffiti Artists are people, seething inside to stamp their territory, on walls, buildings, bridges, and yeah toilets too.
Graffiti and Street Art took a long time to come out of the ghettos, and be recognized as art. Although they are omnipresent phenomena, Graffiti and Street Art came onto the forefront only towards the development of the Hippie Culture in 70's. This was a time when people broke out of conditioning to see Graffiti & Street Art as art. The first opening of Graffiti was at Rome by Fab5 Freddy and soon other artists flooded the New York, London, and Paris art scenes.
Graffiti Artists are most often, nameless personas who treat art as a hit and run (often from the police and anti-graffiti squads). The process of claiming a patch of property (a wall, a car, a piece of tin, rooftops, and so on) is called "tagging" and it is a cross between turf war and creativity. Often gang wars have erupted on claims to turf. This is also, where Graffiti and Street Art connect with rap as an underground culture, which is always at odds with the civilized society. However, this edginess is what has given this art form a spontaneity that "designer" arts lack. The nervous energy is almost visible in the stark graphics and bold designs that spring out from the most unlikely of spaces. It is difficult not to appreciate this "vandalism" art form despite the gore and anger it carries.
Apart from the aesthetics of art, this art form is a visual documentation of grassroots societies, especially in western and Japanese sub cultures. Since Graffiti and Street Art are more a form of youth rebel art, the message that they seek to convey is at once in your face and subtle. There are subtexts that can be read from these Graffiti and Street Arts. For example, Graffiti Arts in Roman times is an important source of the study of society at that time (there is a Graffiti Art on the crucifixation of Jesus found in ancient Roman ruins).
However, with the lateral movement of Graffiti and Street Art into living rooms and art galleries, owing to avant-garde artistes, indicates that they have been accepted at large but the doubts remain. For example, Michael Fay stays hung between being labeled a criminal and an artiste in Singapore when he defaced a car. Whatever be the motive and the background of the creators of Graffiti and Street Art, it is undoubtedly an expression of passion, which finds many patrons.
Graffiti & Street Art so boldly lie on the border of vandalism and art that it is difficult to eulogize them without feeling a bit like singing Paeans to LSD or Morphine. However Graffiti and Street Art, even though pursued doggedly by law and order have steadily metamorphosed into an important mouthpiece of rebel expression. Simply put, Graffiti and Street Arts are art pieces by artists with no inclination or the wherewithal to resort to the conventional forms of display, who though are bubbling with a strong urge to express themselves.
The profiles of Graffiti and Street Art closely follow an underground, anti-law route because of the angst they carry. They are art forms, usually generated in ghettos and tough neighborhoods, where there are few rules and therefore explosive creativity. Graffiti Artists are people, seething inside to stamp their territory, on walls, buildings, bridges, and yeah toilets too.
Graffiti and Street Art took a long time to come out of the ghettos, and be recognized as art. Although they are omnipresent phenomena, Graffiti and Street Art came onto the forefront only towards the development of the Hippie Culture in 70's. This was a time when people broke out of conditioning to see Graffiti & Street Art as art. The first opening of Graffiti was at Rome by Fab5 Freddy and soon other artists flooded the New York, London, and Paris art scenes.
Graffiti Artists are most often, nameless personas who treat art as a hit and run (often from the police and anti-graffiti squads). The process of claiming a patch of property (a wall, a car, a piece of tin, rooftops, and so on) is called "tagging" and it is a cross between turf war and creativity. Often gang wars have erupted on claims to turf. This is also, where Graffiti and Street Art connect with rap as an underground culture, which is always at odds with the civilized society. However, this edginess is what has given this art form a spontaneity that "designer" arts lack. The nervous energy is almost visible in the stark graphics and bold designs that spring out from the most unlikely of spaces. It is difficult not to appreciate this "vandalism" art form despite the gore and anger it carries.
Apart from the aesthetics of art, this art form is a visual documentation of grassroots societies, especially in western and Japanese sub cultures. Since Graffiti and Street Art are more a form of youth rebel art, the message that they seek to convey is at once in your face and subtle. There are subtexts that can be read from these Graffiti and Street Arts. For example, Graffiti Arts in Roman times is an important source of the study of society at that time (there is a Graffiti Art on the crucifixation of Jesus found in ancient Roman ruins).
However, with the lateral movement of Graffiti and Street Art into living rooms and art galleries, owing to avant-garde artistes, indicates that they have been accepted at large but the doubts remain. For example, Michael Fay stays hung between being labeled a criminal and an artiste in Singapore when he defaced a car. Whatever be the motive and the background of the creators of Graffiti and Street Art, it is undoubtedly an expression of passion, which finds many patrons.
google graffiti
Graffiti is often associated with gangs, guns and crime. But it's
important to understand why. Graffiti is used by gangs in Mexico, L.A.
and other large cities the world over. It's used to mark gang territory
in specific areas. Often gangs will spray their tags over an enemies tag
to provoke violence and retaliation. As such, graffiti has built up a
bad reputation and has come to be associated with the more negative
aspects of culture and society.
It doesn't have to be so. In my town, for example, one primary school started a small, low-budget project and allowed all the children 'Graffiti' over the walls of the school and neighbouring park. Not only did this create an amazing piece of art at virtually no cost, but the children felt proud of their work. Instead of vandalizing the school they now wished to protect and preserve their creation and as such a small sense of community was built up. This is the inverse of what most people generally conceive graffiti to be about. Instead of being destructive vandalism and degradative to the community, in this case it did the complete opposite.
That said, I hope I have opened your mind up enough to warrant your interest of how to graffiti. This article isn't about the arguments concerning vandalism, nor to highlight its many comical, religious and often political uses, nor the controversies. No, this article is to urge you to learn how to graffiti. In doing so you open your mind up to the world of graffiti and its many branches and history (Yes, graffiti has a history!) Here are some simple steps to get you to begin learning just how to graffiti.
How to graffiti step 1 - Observation
In learning how to graffiti as in learning any new concept is all about observation. Find existing graffiti and copy it somehow. The best and most fun way to do this is take a walk around your city. If you live in a small town or village, take a trip into a city and spend the day hunting for street art. You're guaranteed to find some in most larger towns. Take photos and draw sketches while you're there. This will give you some basic hands on, up-close experience.
You can also obtain some great resources while learning how to graffiti online. Google images and other sites have large lists of some of the larger and cooler looking works as well as the basic stuff.
How to graffiti step 2 - Experimentation and Creativity
The next step is experimentation. 9 out of 10 graffiti artists started out with their tag. A tag is just a way of identifying yourself amongst the vast array of other artists out there. Usually it'll be your nickname or a variation of it. Using the photos/sketches and downloaded images you've collected, experiment with applying those styles to your tag. Use marker or pencil on paper at first until you've got the hang of it. Once you have some basic sketches you feel comfortable repeating, you can think about taking it further.
How to graffiti step 3 - Taking it further
If you're serious about graffiti as a hobby or maybe even a profession then you'll want to stock up on supplies and information. Get yourself a couple of books on the subject to copy and learn from. Shell out some cash for canvas, paints, card-boards, a respirator (very important) and of course spray-paints! Practice, practice, practice! This is a luxury a lot of people don't have because of the expense. But by buying cheap or discount paints and using your own spray system you'll elimate much of the cost. This will allow you to practice on selected canvases and in certain areas.
Eventually you'll want to take it onto the street. While some will advocate graffiti in public places illegally, this really isn't a wise idea. There are often places in major cities specifically for graffiti artists to experiment and practice their work. Search for such things in your local area. If you can't find any then don't worry. There are MANY ways to get your work out there legally. Often, after you have established yourself and have a means of proving your work, people and businesses will want to hire you for projects. Keep in mind that they wont hire you if you have a criminal record!
It doesn't have to be so. In my town, for example, one primary school started a small, low-budget project and allowed all the children 'Graffiti' over the walls of the school and neighbouring park. Not only did this create an amazing piece of art at virtually no cost, but the children felt proud of their work. Instead of vandalizing the school they now wished to protect and preserve their creation and as such a small sense of community was built up. This is the inverse of what most people generally conceive graffiti to be about. Instead of being destructive vandalism and degradative to the community, in this case it did the complete opposite.
That said, I hope I have opened your mind up enough to warrant your interest of how to graffiti. This article isn't about the arguments concerning vandalism, nor to highlight its many comical, religious and often political uses, nor the controversies. No, this article is to urge you to learn how to graffiti. In doing so you open your mind up to the world of graffiti and its many branches and history (Yes, graffiti has a history!) Here are some simple steps to get you to begin learning just how to graffiti.
How to graffiti step 1 - Observation
In learning how to graffiti as in learning any new concept is all about observation. Find existing graffiti and copy it somehow. The best and most fun way to do this is take a walk around your city. If you live in a small town or village, take a trip into a city and spend the day hunting for street art. You're guaranteed to find some in most larger towns. Take photos and draw sketches while you're there. This will give you some basic hands on, up-close experience.
You can also obtain some great resources while learning how to graffiti online. Google images and other sites have large lists of some of the larger and cooler looking works as well as the basic stuff.
How to graffiti step 2 - Experimentation and Creativity
The next step is experimentation. 9 out of 10 graffiti artists started out with their tag. A tag is just a way of identifying yourself amongst the vast array of other artists out there. Usually it'll be your nickname or a variation of it. Using the photos/sketches and downloaded images you've collected, experiment with applying those styles to your tag. Use marker or pencil on paper at first until you've got the hang of it. Once you have some basic sketches you feel comfortable repeating, you can think about taking it further.
How to graffiti step 3 - Taking it further
If you're serious about graffiti as a hobby or maybe even a profession then you'll want to stock up on supplies and information. Get yourself a couple of books on the subject to copy and learn from. Shell out some cash for canvas, paints, card-boards, a respirator (very important) and of course spray-paints! Practice, practice, practice! This is a luxury a lot of people don't have because of the expense. But by buying cheap or discount paints and using your own spray system you'll elimate much of the cost. This will allow you to practice on selected canvases and in certain areas.
Eventually you'll want to take it onto the street. While some will advocate graffiti in public places illegally, this really isn't a wise idea. There are often places in major cities specifically for graffiti artists to experiment and practice their work. Search for such things in your local area. If you can't find any then don't worry. There are MANY ways to get your work out there legally. Often, after you have established yourself and have a means of proving your work, people and businesses will want to hire you for projects. Keep in mind that they wont hire you if you have a criminal record!
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